-
Paula Bennett - Source: Breakfast -
Watch Video
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett maintains there is hope for job hunters, in spite of recently released unemployment figures that show a 6.8% rise in unemployment.
"There are jobs" she said on TV ONE's Breakfast this morning.
"There are more people looking, but there are jobs out there. You need to keep positive, you need to keep active.
"You will only find a job if you're looking for one; they aren't going to land on your lap."
Bennett's comments come in the wake of Statistics New Zealand releasing figures showing the unemployment rate up to 6.4% in the September 2010 quarter, but still below the 7.0% of a year ago.
The rate is based on the Household Labour Force Survey and samples 15,000 households throughout New Zealand.
The minister also looked to remind people that the current government had entered power in the midst of a severe recession.
"In some respects I think that what we've actually done is held off the worst of it," she said, citing the government's emphasis on a stimulus package and infrastructure to rebuild the economy.
When questioned by Petra Bagust if she was saying the increase in unemployment was encouraging, Bennett responded with a "certainly not", saying the market is "incredibly volatile".
"The economists are not picking it right. It's up, it's down, it's been all over the place," Bennett said.
And while she also said the unemployment levels were offset slightly by the higher number of people studying, she acknowledged the government could not deny there are more people looking for work than there are available jobs.
The government's plans to combat this, she said, largely revolved around business confidence, which they were sure was improving.
"We do have confidence that businesses are talking it up, they are feeling more positive, they're certainly seeing the market turn around."
When it came to discussing the Maori unemployment rate, which is sitting around 15%, Bennett said the focus also needed to turn to education and ensuring Maori came out of school ready to go into the workforce.
What do you think? Are there jobs out there? Have your say on our messageboard below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentbuggeryou said on 2011-02-06 @ 10:02 NZDT: Report abusive post
Paula bennet and the rest of the goverment live in a fairyland have no idea what the situation is in new zealand....
santa0007 said on 2011-02-05 @ 09:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
Looks like everybody got it wrong,no one saw the recession coming,that's because it's allways here,not a good look for those charged with leadership. Creating ideas which can lead to jobs is funding starved,establishing sustainable even profitable entities is difficult without the very people who never saw the recession coming yet they have access to all the data. The new extensive community garden planned for Invercargill is a step in the right direction,greater potential than a cycle track.
mm hamilton said on 2011-02-04 @ 14:13 NZDT: Report abusive post
Student Job Search CEO said on 2011-02-04 @ 13:54 NZDT: Report abusive post
Over 100,000 students engage SJS each month in their search for work but YTD job numbers are 21% up on LY. SJS continues to hear businesses state they have skills gaps and need graduates. SJS can close the skills gap, reduce youth unemployment and reduce brain drain by enabling businesses to reach 'young brains' that want (but cant always see) internships, apprenticeships, grad roles and or part-time work. SJS screens all applicants and delivers candidates free of charge . It's a no brainer!
jifar said on 2011-02-04 @ 13:46 NZDT: Report abusive post
The government is, on the one hand, weakening labour legislation to reduce the protection and representation for workers, and on the other hand trying to encourage the unemployed to look for work. You can't have your cake and eat it too; abuse the workers with low wages, no job security and worsening conditions, and they will be reluctant to work at all. Roll on election day - Bennett, take a number.